Media Statement For immediate release Tuesday, 9 September, 2003
Alexander: 'Star' treatment of McDonald not justice
Former TV3 newsreader Darren McDonald's eight-month jail sentence for two charges relating to supplying drugs today
prompted United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander to ask if the new Sentencing Act is being properly used.
"An eight-month sentence for this man - quite possibly to be served at home - essentially because he's a star, just
makes a mockery of this country's sentencing laws," Mr Alexander said.
In questioning Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel, Mr Alexander asked if celebrity status should make a prisoner
eligible for home detention - "and that's without even touching on the manifestly inadequate stretch of eight months".
"I mean we manage to lock up various at-risk types, such as paedophiles who stand to be bashed, by putting them in
protective custody.
"I'm sure the Corrections system could find suitable accommodation for McDonald.
"And it should have to, because if the justice system is seriously going to get the message across that methamphetamine
and P use and dealing won't be condoned, then it has to make the sentences credible.
"Eight months, with the potential for this 'get out of jail free' card, just isn't credible.
Mr Alexander asked if a Mangere drug dealer "without a high profile or a flashy lawyer" would have got the same sentence
as McDonald.
Ends.